Pere Marquette National Scenic River Watercraft Permits (Huron Manistee)

In 1978, sixty-six miles of the Pere Marquette were designated a National Scenic River. The Pere Marquette River is the longest unregulated river system — no dams or impoundments — in Michigan's Lower Peninsula. The river is a nationally known, high-quality stream supporting large populations of resident trout, steelhead and salmon. Within the Forest's boundary, the river has been divided into three non-motorized watercraft segments: Segment 1, Forks to Bowman Bridge; Segment 2, Bowman Bridge to Upper Branch Bridge; and Segment 3, Upper Branch Bridge to Indian Bridge. The river's characteristics and the setting vary by segment. Someone wanting a recreation experience where there is a good chance of encountering others would enjoy Segment 1; those wanting the opportunity to experience more solitude would appreciate Segment 3. Camping within the river corridor on National Forest lands is allowed only at designated sites. Sites range from developed campgrounds to primitive, canoe-in only sites.